Pune–Manmad Rail Line Gets Major Upgrade With High-Strength Tracks
Pune–Manmad Rail Line Gets Major Upgrade With High-Strength Tracks ( Representative Image )
Travel on the busy Pune–Manmad railway corridor is set to become faster, safer, and more reliable as Indian Railways begins installing high-capacity tracks on this crucial route in Maharashtra. Known for handling a large number of passenger trains along with heavy freight movement, the line is now undergoing a significant infrastructure transformation.
Railway officials confirmed that the upgrade involves the installation of advanced 60-kg rails with 90 UTS (Ultimate Tensile Strength), capable of handling a massive load of up to 550 Gross Million Tonnes (GMT). These high-strength rails are designed to support heavier freight trains while reducing the risk of track fractures and frequent maintenance issues.
According to Hemantkumar Behra, spokesperson for the Pune railway division, the new rails will allow trains on the route to operate at speeds of up to 130 kmph in the future. At present, the maximum permissible speed on this section is around 110 kmph. The improved track strength is expected to enhance passenger safety while also improving punctuality.
Track replacement work is currently underway between Puntamba and Kanhegaon stations under the Pune railway division. The project is being carried out using the Plasser Quick Relaying System (PQRS), a modern mechanised method that enables rapid track replacement with minimal disruption to ongoing train services.
Using this technology, railway teams have successfully replaced approximately nine kilometres of track within just 35 days. Officials noted that the work has been executed by taking planned traffic blocks, allowing regular rail operations to continue with minimal inconvenience to passengers.
The newly laid tracks are replacing older 52-kg rails and are expected to significantly reduce wear and tear caused by heavy freight traffic. With these high-capacity rails in place, the upgraded section is not expected to require replacement for at least the next 15 to 20 years, offering long-term operational stability.
Passengers have responded positively to the development. Regular commuter Suraj Jadhav said that delays due to maintenance work are common on the Pune–Manmad route, and the new tracks could bring much-needed relief by improving speed and reducing service disruptions.
Stretching over 300 kilometres across Maharashtra, the Pune–Manmad railway line serves as a vital link between western and central India. It plays a key role in transporting essential commodities such as coal, cement, and food grains, while also supporting Pune’s industrial region and the northern districts, including Nashik.
Railway authorities have stated that this project is part of a broader effort to modernise key rail corridors across the state. By strengthening infrastructure and adopting advanced technology, Indian Railways aims to offer passengers a smoother journey while ensuring the route can efficiently handle increasing passenger and freight demand.
Once completed, the upgraded Pune–Manmad line is expected to deliver long-term benefits in terms of safety, speed, and reliability—marking an important step forward in strengthening Maharashtra’s rail network.
